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Is Your Low Energy Due To Vitamin Deficiencies?

multivitamin-tabletsWe all need vitamins and minerals for good health, well being and energy; but did you know that vitamin deficiencies can lead to low energy?

Particular nutrient deficiencies are associated with reduced energy and chronic tiredness; these can include iron, magnesium, B12 and folic acid.

We’ve gathered some information on these nutrients/vitamins and how  deficiencies can contribute to low energy.  We will also discuss symptoms, and how to test for the appropriate levels in your body.

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral needed for the manufacture of hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen, which is needed for energy production. ( 14 to 18 mg for adult men, and 12 to 16 mg for adult women). When iron levels are low, red blood cells can’t carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues, causing fatigue.

Symptoms of deficiency are fatigue (especially on exertion); weakness, shortness of breath, pale lower eyelids & tongue, headaches, and constipation.

You can also help increase your hemoglobin by eating iron rich foods such as red meat, shrimp, tofu, almonds, dates, and lentils.

Iron cannot be fully absorbed by the body without the help of vitamin C; so make sure that you are getting the correct amount of vitamin C daily.

Iron levels are tested easily with blood samples, but it’s important to check your iron levels before using an iron supplement because excess iron absorption can also causes chronic tiredness.

Vitamin B12

B12 is needed for the manufacture of red blood cells and helps the body’s use the iron that is also required for proper digestion, the absorption of foods, and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.

Vitamin B12 is largely found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products, making vegetarians and people with digestive disturbances at the most risk for a B12 deficiency.

Symptoms of deficiencies are fatigue, weakness, dizziness, memory problems, confusion, irritability, depression, moodiness and paleness.

B12 deficiencies are common due to declining B12 levels in food by the increased use of antibiotics and digestive problems. You can help increase your B12 levels by eating fortified soy products like silken tofu and B12-fortified breakfast cereals.

B12 levels can be measured with a simple blood test.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B vitamin needed for the manufacture of red blood cells, and because folic acid is easily destroyed during cooking, it is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies. Folic acid allows the body to perform many essential functions DNA synthesis and repair, and red blood cell creation.

Symptoms of deficiencies are fatigue, digestive disturbances, insomnia, memory problems, weakness, shortness of breath, and anemia.

You can help increase folic acid levels by eating dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, lentils and nuts.

Folic acid levels can be measured with a blood test.

Magnesium

Magnesium is needed for the production of ATP, which is the main energy-producing molecule in the body. When magnesium is deficient, our cells are less able to produce energy which leads to chronic tiredness.

Symptoms of deficiencies are fatigue, irritability, spasms or muscle cramps, rapid or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and insomnia.

Leafy green vegetables,eat plenty of raw foods You can help increase Magnesium levels by eating leafy green vegetables, eating plenty of raw foods, and limiting refined sugar.

Magnesium is not generally tested by blood test, but by hair analysis.

If you are experiencing fatigue or you are chronically tired please contact your health care practitioner before making any changes to your health routine. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to low energy, however, chronic fatigue can be caused by other factors.

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Foam Rolling At Home

foam-rollers-roundFoam rolling is a self massage technique used to help release tight muscles and trigger points. Using a foam roller allows you to apply pressure and compression to specific points on your body which help to “break up” muscle knots, improve blood flow and aid in the recovery of muscle function. Healthy muscles are elastic, healthy and pain free.

One of the most popular types of massages is a deep tissue massage.   The goal of a deep tissue massage is to release chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia, which is the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints.

It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare practitioner before you start to introduce a new therapy such as the use of a foam roller. Craig Lawrence, a registered massage therapist at Diversified Health encourages the use of foam rollers between scheduled therapy sessions.  Using a foam roller in between your regular massage sessions helps maintain the health of your muscles, by prolonging and nurturing the work that was achieved during your massage session.

Deep compression, by rolling on a foam roller helps to break up and relax tight muscles.  The goal of massage therapy or foam rollers is to release trigger points, allow normal blood flow to return, re-establish proper movement patterns and allow the user pain free movement.

Using a foam roller, allows the user the ability to control the healing and recovery process by applying pressure in precise locations. To foam roll properly:

1. Apply moderate pressure to a specific muscle or muscle group using the roller and your body weight

2. Roll slowly, no more than one inch per second

3.  Pause for several seconds and relax as much as possible for areas that are tight or painful – after 5-30 seconds the muscle will relax and the discomfort or pain should lessen

4. If an area is too painful to apply direct pressure, use the roller on the surrounding area and talk to your practitioner

5. Do not use foam rollers directly on a joint; the foam roller is meant for muscles and connective tissue only

6.  Wait 24-48 hours before focusing on the same area

The foam roller works the same way as a massage, by breaking up the fibrous tissue that has built up so you have better circulation flow, which in turn, reduces soreness.

Remember that the foam roller isn’t a substitute for a practitioner when you’re injured. If your muscles or tissues are inflamed, don’t use a foam roller, you can cause more damage to your body.

If you have any questions regarding the use of foam rollers, please contact Craig Lawrence, RMT at 250-382-0018.

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Preparing For Your Next Physical

Regular check-ups are just as important as eating healthy, staying active and getting eight hours of sleep every night.  Part of health maintenance is periodically taking a look at your lifestyle, risk factors, and pertinent family history.

Being prepared for an appointment allows you to manage your time efficiently, and enables you to spend more one -on-one time with the doctor.

Here are some basic tips to help you get organized for your next medical appointment:

Always arrive 10 minutes early from your scheduled appointment, so you have time to fill in any paperwork including insurance forms  before you see the doctor.  Patient history forms tend to ask for the same information, so be ready.

Many clinics make these form available on-line so you can fill them in at home and bring them with you to the appointment.

Know your family history. Doctors are looking for whether immediate family members (parents, grandparents, children, and siblings) have had a particular diseases such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer.

Previous medical history / hospitalizations. Know the dates of any surgeries or hospitalizations. You don’t need to go into a lot of detail unless it’s pertinent to your visit. The doctor can always send for your records if needed.

Have a list of treatments  – List the names, treatment types and phone numbers of your other doctors and health care practitioners.

Bring your glasses/aids: Remember to bring your glasses in case you need to fill out forms and bring any items such as orthotics, or braces that you have been using. This can help the doctor assess your condition.

Bring your data. If you’ve been monitoring anything at home like blood pressure, or blood sugars bring your data in with you.

Bring your medications.  If you are taking more than one or two medications you might want to bring a list of all medications, and supplements you are currently taking.  The list should include the name of the drug, the  dosage, and frequency, including any over-the-counter medications.

Write down your questions and concerns. Make a list of what you need to talked to your doctor about.  Some clinic have a strict policy that they will only discuss one health concern per visit.   Start with your most pressing health concern and be prepared to make a follow up visit to discuss the remaining issues.

During the appointment if you don’t understand something ask for clarification. If you know that your memory is not your strong point, ask a friend to attend with you and ask them to take notes.

The most important part of the appointment is to be honest with your doctor. Don’t hide a bad habit like smoking, drinking, or using recreational drugs. It’s important  to  share all aspects of your lifestyle with your doctors so they can give you the best care.

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Natural Remedies for Stomach Discomfort

From time to time we all experience stomach discomfort; whether it is from a night of drinking, the flu, food poisoning, or an upset stomach from eating to much rich food.

Here’s a list of some natural remedies to help soothe your stomach discomfort.

Ginger – Ginger aids in digestion, eases stomach pains, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Peel and grate some fresh ginger, mix it in with some freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey and hot water for a soothing cup of tea. There are also many ginger teas available that you can use if you don’t want to trouble yourself with preparing the tea.

Peppermint – Peppermint tea can offer relief from almost any stomach ailment or gastrointestinal condition; from heart burn, morning sickness to bloating and gas.

Aloe Vera Juice – Aloe Vera juice is readily available at most health food store and is excellent for treating numerous intestinal problems; it helps with gas, bloating, diarrhea, and cramps.

Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar has long been used to assist with digestion and to treat stomach aches. Just put a few teaspoons up to 1 tablespoon of ACV in a glass of cold water, with a tablespoon or two of honey, and drink.

Chamomile Tea- Chamomile contains fairly strong antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is quite effective in treating stomach and intestinal cramps.

Baking Soda – Add one teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a glass of water, mix well and drink.  This fizzy concoction can help relieve stomach pressure and reduce acidity in the stomach.

Cayenne – Cayenne pepper has immune boosting, and detoxifying properties that stimulates the circulatory system and aids in digestion.  Use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and place it in a mug, pour hot water  and stir add some lemon and honey to taste.

Raw Honey – Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It promotes digestive health, is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system. Take a spoonful on its own or add it to your favourite tea.

White Rice – White rice is a starchy food that  is easy to digest and will coat the lining of your stomach, which will make you feel better.

Live Culture Foods/ Probiotics – Eat a bowl of yogurt that contains live probiotic culture. Probiotics are live bacteria that can ease your tummy discomfort.

There are many possible causes for an upset stomach; food and drink, lifestyle choices, and medical reasons. But we all want to feel better faster, so try these home remedies before you reach for an over-the-counter remedy.  If your symptoms persist, please contact your doctor or healthcare practitioner.

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You’ve Gotten A Sunburn – Now What?

sunburn_300x174_479516899You’ve tried to be sun safe….. but on your last outing you got a sunburn. Now what?  To help heal and soothe your damaged, red, sunburned skin, the sooner you start treating the sunburn  the better.

Try these home remedies to help with the discomfort from a sunburn.

Try a soothing bath or compresses dipped in any of the following substances to get relief from your sunburn.

  • Either place a cold damp towel on your skin for 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day as needed; or use an ice pack to provide relief (if the burn is mild), just remember to wrap the ice pack in a damp cloth before you place it on your skin.
  • Mix 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar into a tub of cool water, or soak a cloth in a basin of vinegar and water. Vinegar is great astringent,and it soothes sunburn pain.
  • Wrap dry oatmeal in cheesecloth, and run cold water through it. You can soak compresses in the liquid or leave the oatmeal ouch in the tub while you soak.
  • Add enough water to cornstarch to make a thin paste, and apply directly to the sunburn.
  • Generously sprinkle baking soda into a cool bath, and let the solution dry on your skin ( do not towel dry) the baking soda residue will help soothe the pain.
  •  If your eyelids are burned, apply tea bags soaked in cool water to decrease swelling and help relieve pain.
  • Moisten a cloth with witch hazel. Witch Hazel is a natural astringent and has been long-lasting anti-inflammatory relief. Apply often for temporary relief.
  • Refrigerate the leaves of an aloe Vera plant; peel them open and directly place the gel or juicy part onto the burn.  Because aloe Vera is a natural astringent, if your burn is quite bad, this topical treatment might sting, so mix the aloe Vera juice with a little Vitamin E. You can also buy aloe Vera gel from most health stores.

A sign of severe sun damage is blistering. If blisters develop, you have a a second-degree sunburn. To treat a blister, simply leave it alone. You’ll have less discomfort and danger of infection if air does not come in contact with the sensitive nerve endings. If you are worried about infection you can use an antibacterial ointment, or  an over-the-counter anesthetic that can relieve pain and itching, such as Bactine.

Although it may seem like a temporary condition, sunburns can cause long-lasting damage to the skin. This damage increases a person’s risk for getting skin cancer, making it critical to protect the skin from the sun all year round.

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Bandages, First Aid Kits & Apps

kitThe best part about summer is all the time we get to spend outside; and spending time outside means that they’ll be accidents, and injuries. Here’s what you’ll need to be ready.

When discussing bandages, many people aren’t sure if it is better to leave the wound uncovered or to use a bandage.  The best thing you can do is: clean, treat and protect.

Cuts that are left uncovered will dry out and form a scab. A scab can slow down the healing process by creating a barrier between the cut and healthy skin cells. The cells have to grow under the scab in order to form new tissue and heal.  If a scab forms, it can be scratch or torn off, which causes a re-injury, and can leave a scare.

Cuts that are covered can prevent a scab from forming, minimizing the chance of scarring, protect from a re-injury, and can prevent exposure to germs and secondary infections.

Whenever you are spending time outside, remember to bring a first aid kit with you. Making a first aid kit is easy, inexpensive and quick – and it could save your life.

Your first aid kit should contain:

  • Sterile gauze pads (dressings) in small and large squares to place over wounds
  • Roller and triangular bandages in various sizes to hold dressings in place or to make an arm sling
  • Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  • Scissors and tweezers
  • Moistened towelettes
  • Alcohol-based hand cleaner
  • Antiseptic wipes or soap
  • Thermometer
  • Tongue depressors
  • Chemical cold pack/ Instant ice packs
  • Petroleum jelly tube
  • Safety pins
  • Flashlight
  • Pencil and pad
  • Soap
  • Eye patches
  • a pocket mask
  • Emergency blanket
  • Disposable non-latex gloves, such as surgical or examination gloves
  • Sunscreen/bug repellent
  • First aid manual
  • Non-prescription drugs (pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative, activated charcoal)

“The official Canadian Red Cross First Aid app puts lifesaving advice in your hands. This free app helps you maintain your first aid skills and respond to everyday emergencies. By downloading the app on your smartphone or tablet, you get instant access to videos, simple, step-by-step instructions guide you through everyday first aid scenarios.  The preloaded content means you have instant access to all safety information at any time, even without reception or an Internet connection”.

If you are going camping  or hiking to a secluded area, you might want to take a first aid course. Most community centres offer inexpensive 2 day or evening classes.

The major benefits of  knowing first aid are that it affords people with the ability to provide help during various emergency situations, and that the right methods of medical help are provided.

Accidents will always happen, however, trained individuals with the right first aid equipment can ensure safety for everyone. Without the proper first aid, a simple injury can turn into something much more serious.

So enjoy the great outdoors, but be prepared.
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Facts You Should Know About Sun Safety

SunSafety8If you spend any time out in the sun, you should familiarize yourself with these sun safety facts.

 – More and more folks are adding umbrellas to their must haves for a day at the park or beach.  Umbrellas can be deceiving by making you think that you’re safer than you really are. Up to 80 percent of UV rays can bounce off reflective surfaces such as sand, concrete and water, and reach you under the umbrella. Regardless of where you are outside… use sunscreen!

 – Many medication, including some antibiotics, birth control pills, and antihistamines can make you sun sensitive. Always read the information sheet that comes with your prescription to see if the medication has a warning about sun sensitivity.

– Use the “shadow rule” as an easy way to help you gauge the strength of the sun.  If your shadow is shorter than you, that means that the sun is at its strongest, as well as the UV index. On average the strongest time for the sun is between 11:00am – 2:00pm.

– Don’t forget to use sunscreen on small body parts. We often concentrate on arms, legs and backs, but forget places like ears, fingers, toes, back of the neck, and back of the knees. Heads need protection too, so wear a wide brimmed hat to help protect your scalp.

– Sunglasses protect your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes from serious sun-damage, including eye diseases, cataracts and skin cancer. Make sure the sunglasses you pick are close-fitting and that they offer 99-100% UV protection.

– Even when it’s cloudy outside, you need to wear sunscreen. UVA and UVB rays are not filtered by the clouds or by shade – allowing about 80% of the damaging rays to reach the earth. When outside, always where sunscreen.

– Waterproof sunscreens and water-resistant sunscreens are different. On average water-resistant sunscreen gives you about 40 minutes of sun protection in the water, while waterproof sunscreen provides about 80 minutes. Regardless of which type of sunscreen you use, always re-apply after swimming.

– Don’t wait to apply your sunscreen till you have reached your destination. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes for sunscreen to sink into your skin and start working, so always apply sunscreen before you leave your home.

– The average life expectancy of a bottle of sunscreen – according to the expiration date is 2 years.  However, sunscreens are often exposed to extreme heat, cold, and tops can be left open which can allow bacteria to enter the bottle which can destabilize the formula. To be safe, purchase new sunscreen every year.

– You can use clothing for sunscreen, but do your homework. A white cotton t-shirt provides an SPF of approximately 5 to 7, while a dark denim shirt with long sleeves can provide 100% protection. A good test is to hold your piece of clothing up to a light or window; if a large amount of light comes through the clothing, it won’t provide adequate protection. Consider hi-tech sun-protective clothing and accessories; many of them have a UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50 or higher.

So the next time you head outdoors, make sure you follow these sun safety rules.

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What’s in Your Sunscreen?

sunscreenMost of us use sunscreen, but other than looking at price and the SPF levels, we know relatively little about what we are putting on our bodies. We use sunscreen to avoid a sunburn and to limit our exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

Here’s what you should know about UVA and UVB Rays:

UVA rays:
• Can pass through glass, such as a car window
• Are always present despite changes in altitude or weather, season and time of day
• Can penetrate deep into skin layers
• Totals 5% of the sun’s rays

UVB rays:
• Can’t pass through glass
• Can cause the skin to burn/tan
• Intensity of rays change with the weather conditions, altitude, season and time of day
• Totals 0.5% of the sun’s rays

Theoretically when applying sunscreen, the higher the sun protection factor – SPF – the more time you can spend out in the sun before suffering a sunburn.  This is not true: at least for high-SPF sunscreens of SPF 50 and over. Many studies have found that people are misled by the claims on high SPF sunscreen bottles.

Most of us assume that we’ll get twice as much protection from SPF 100 sunscreen as from SPF 50. In reality, the extra protection is negligible and gives a false sense of security, which leads to  longer stays stay in the sun, and overexposing ourselves to UVA and UVB rays.

Numerous studies show that sunscreen users apply the wrong amount of sunscreen.  The average person uses about one-half the quantity of sunscreen that the manufacturers recommends. Applying too little sunscreen or reapplying it too infrequently diminishes protection against free radical formation which can lead to skin cancer.

How much sunscreen should you be using? You should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. This means applying two tablespoons of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body, and remembering that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours.

High SPF products require higher concentrations of active chemicals than lower SPF sunscreens, and some of these ingredients may pose health risks when they penetrate the skin. Sunscreen formulas come in two forms, mineral and chemical.

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreen products typically include a combination of two to six active ingredients such as: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate.

The table below outlines human exposure and toxicity information for nine approved sunscreen chemicals.

ChemicalEWG Hazard ScoreUse in U.S. sunscreensSkin PenetrationHormone disruptionSkin AllergyOther concernsReferences
UV filters with higher toxicity concerns
Oxybenzone8WidespreadDetected in nearly every American; found in mother’s milk; 1-to-9% skin penetration in lab studiesActs like estrogen in the body; alters sperm production in animals; associated with endometriosis in womenRelatively high rates of skin allergyJanjua 2004, Janjua 2008, Sarveiya 2004, Gonzalez 2006, Rodriguez 2006, Krause 2012
Octinoxate (Octylmethoxycinnamate)6WidespreadFound in mothers’ milk; less than 1% skin penetration in human and laboratory studiesHormone-like activity; reproductive system, thyroid and behavioral alterations in animal studiesModerate rates of skin allergyKrause 2012, Sarveiya 2004, Rodriguez, 2006, Klinubol 2008
UV filters with moderate toxicity concerns
Homosalate4WidespreadFound in mothers’ milk; skin penetration less than 1% in human and laboratory studiesDisrupts estrogen, androgen and progesteroneToxic breakdown productsKrause 2012, Sarveiya 2004, SCCNFP 2006
Octisalate3Widespread; stabilizes avobenzoneSkin penetration in lab studiesRarely reported skin allergyWalters 1997, Shaw 2006 Singh 2007
Octocrylene3WidespreadFound in mothers’ milk; skin penetration in lab studiesRelatively high rates of skin allergyKrause 2012, Bryden 2006, Hayden 2005
UV filters with lower toxicity concerns
Titanium Dioxide2 (topical use), 6 (powder or spray)WidespreadNo finding of skin penetrationNo evidence of hormone disruptionNoneInhalation concernsGamer 2006, Nohynek 2007, Wu 2009, Sadrieh 2010, Takeda 2009, Shimizu 2009, Park 2009, IARC 2006b
Zinc Oxide2 (topical use), 4 (powder or spray)Widespread; excellent UVA protectionLess than 0.01% skin penetration in human volunteersNo evidence of hormone disruptionNoneInhalation concernsGulson 2012, Sayes 2007, Nohynek 2007, SCCS 2012
Avobenzone2Widespread; best UVA protection of chemical filtersVery limited skin penetrationNo evidence of hormone disruptionRelatively high rates of skin allergyKlinubol 2008, Bryden 2006, Hayden 2005, Montenegro 2008
Mexoryl SX2Uncommon; pending FDA approval; offers good, stable UVA protectionLess than 0.16% penetrated the skin of human volunteersNo evidence of hormone disruptionSkin allergy is rareBenech-Kieffer 2003, Fourtanier2008

Chemical sunscreens permeate the skin to some degree, and recently have been linked to tissue damage and potential hormone disruption.

“Laboratory studies of several sunscreen chemicals indicate that they may mimic hormones and disrupt the hormone system (Krause 2012, Schlumpf 2001, 2004, 2008).

Two European studies have detected sunscreen chemicals in mothers’ milk, indicating that the developing fetus and newborns may be exposed to these substances (Schlumpf 2008, Schlumpf 2010).”

Mineral Sunscreens are made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and generally rate better than chemical sunscreens for toxicity.

Many sunscreens contain anti-inflammatory chemicals that can prevent skin from looking  sunburned. This is a problem because if you can’t see your body turning red, you assume you are adequately protected from the sun’s rays…but that’s not true.

Consumers are being lulled into thinking that their sunscreen is providing more protection than it actually does, and the result is that they stay out longer in the sun and increase their risk of skin cancer and skin damage.  So when it comes to sunscreens, do your homework!

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How to Make Your Own Sunscreen

Make Your Own SunscreenChoosing the right sunscreen can be tricky. Many store-bought feature chemicals as a base, and some sunscreens can even cause contact dermatitis!

Learn more about sunscreen allergies.

If you feel that you are getting nowhere on finding the right sunscreen for you and your family, why not try making your own!  There are dozens of sunscreen recipes that you can find on the internet.

Natural Homemade Sunscreen Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup oil (coconut, olive or almond)
  • 5 tsp Zinc Oxide (must be pure zinc oxide)
  • 1 Tbsp Beeswax
  • 3 Tbsp natural aloe vera gel (no alcohol or propylene glycol)
  • 1/2 cup distilled water

How To Make Natural Sunscreen:

  1. Heat oil and beeswax on double boiler until just melted, remove from heat
  2. Add zinc oxide powder to a bowl that will not be used for food.
  3. In small pan, heat water and aloe vera until warm.
  4. Add the water/aloe mixture slowly to the zinc oxide while whisking.
  5. Add the oil and beeswax mixture
  6. Add an essential oil (optional) for fragrance   (not citrus oil)
  7. Store in a container with a lid and keep in the fridge

Additional Notes:

  • This sunscreen will need to be reapplied often. (watch closing the first time you use it… I have never been sun burned using this recipe, but remember that everyone is different)
  • DO NOT inhale the Zinc Oxide
  • This recipe has an SPF of about 20: adding more Zinc Oxide will increase the SPF
  • Add more beeswax to make thicker sunscreen, less to make smooth sunscreen- adding 3 to 4 times the amount of beeswax and removing the water will make a “sunscreen bar” that rubs on like stick deodorant

Sunscreen in a minute:

Get a bottle of your favorite lotion that does not contain any citrus oils, and add a couple of tablespoons of Zinc Oxide, shake well and Voila!

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Spices – The New Medicine

spicesFor years spices have been used by holistic practitioners, but now mainstream health professionals are using the power of spices as a weapon against illness. There is a scientific basis for why people have been using spices medicinally for thousands of years.

Here are 5 spices that can be used to minimize symptoms and treat health problems.

Sage – Preliminary research suggests that sage may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease by preventing a key enzyme from destroying acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory.  Due to its high antioxidant capacity, sage can help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, which often results in chronic disease.

Turmeric – Turmeric is used for its potential healing properties. The active ingredient, curcurmin, has been extensively tested and studied and the research shows the outstanding results for inhibiting tumor cell growth and suppressing enzymes that activate carcinogens.  Curcumin, a compound in turmeric has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with studies showing it has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer property.

Cinnamon – Research at the Mayo Clinic, is showing that cinnamon  may help manage diabetes.  The studies show that diabetics who take cinnamon supplements demonstrate better glucose control, possibly due to increased insulin activity. The evidence shows that it may help to regulate blood sugar and insulin, and perhaps lipids.

Black Pepper – Derived from the peppercorn, black pepper is both an antibiotic and an antioxidant. It stimulates fat breakdown, which may aid in weight loss, and some research shows that the spice may help lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood while increasing levels of “good” HDL cholesterol.

Black pepper has a high amount of piperine: and this main alkaloid from black pepper has been shown to substantially increase the bio-availability of the nutrients in foods and supplements. As the quality of food declines it is increasingly important to your health that the nutrients you consume are able to be used to maximum efficiency by your body.

Paprika – The paprika plant is from the same family as chilli. Paprika is high in antioxidants, including betacarotene, capsanthin, quercetin and luteolin.  Paprika has antibacterial properties that help naturally control bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Paprika is high in antioxidants because it is rich in vitamins A and E  and can help to neutralize free radicals and their destructive effects on the body. Paprika also has anti-inflammatory properties.

As with all medical information, please consult your doctor or health care practitioner before starting a new health routine.

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